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Methanol use for a closed-loop geothermal heat pump

Q: We have a construction project where the owner is requiring the use of methanol for their new school construction. The geothermal loop subcontractor states they use methanol all the time with no problems. However, as a buyer for the material for this project, I am running into all kinds of hurdles for pumps, piping, gaskets and glycol feed systems. What can you tell me about the use of methanol in a closed-loop geothermal heat pump application?

A: I have very little experience in geothermal systems but was surprised to hear that methanol is being used, primarily as an antifreeze and at about 25% concentration. I did a little digging and the following websites may offer some guidance to your reader:

http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/ici/caddet/english/r413.cfm?attr=20

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_exchange_heat_pump

http://www.geoecs.com/14.html